"The diversity of NewBridge allows us many opportunities to help people bring balance to their lives," said Robert Parker, the organization’s CEO.

The comprehensive list of counseling services available through NewBridge include support groups and play therapy, as well as individual, group, couple and family counseling. Substance abuse services vary from education programs for children, parents and educators to intensive out-patient treatment programs. NewBridge has programs that help seniors live independently and which aid those caring for elderly residents. The organization provides 175 units of housing in the form of apartments, supervised group homes and long-term community residential programs.

HOW IT BEGAN

In 1962, area ministers called for a meeting to address increasing need for counseling.

Founded as the Northeast Morris County Guidance Center, the organization quickly became Pequannock Valley Mental Health Center in order to avoid confusion with another group. The center opened on Dec. 23, 1963, providing services to residents of seven area towns. By 1975, four towns had been added to the service area and the center had twice changed locations to accommodate an increased number of clients, staff and services.

"We’re grassroots," Parker said of the organization’s expansion, "and even in 1963 we were timely. We address the need we see in the community."

Soon after the organization opened its first long-term residence taking in senior citizens who had been released from Greystone Psychiatric Hospital, staff noticed some residents became fit to live independently or with their adult children.

In 1998 the organization, now renamed NewBridge, took over publicly funded mental health services in Upper Passaic County.

HOW TO HELP

Although NewBridge receives some key funding from local, county and state governments, NewBridge needs more that than in order to operate.

"We need community support. We depend on philanthropy as much as we depend on government," Parker said. "Whether it’s time, talent or money."

To learn more about NewBridge Services,Inc. or to volunteer or donate, call (973) 839-2520 or visit the agency’s web site at newbridge.org.